Choosing Your First Excavator for Farm Use

Excavators aren’t just for construction sites—they’re increasingly vital tools for farmers managing large properties. Whether clearing old fence lines, digging drainage ditches, removing stumps, building access roads, or handling material, a well-chosen excavator can dramatically expand what a farmer can do independently. Especially on wooded or uneven terrain, the flexibility and power of an excavator make it a smart investment.

When selecting your first excavator, it’s not just about brand or horsepower. Reliability, ease of maintenance, parts availability, and suitability for your land and tasks matter more than having the newest model.

Recommended Brands and Models for Farm Use

Several brands have proven themselves in farm environments:

• John Deere / Hitachi: Shared platforms, interchangeable parts, and solid dealer support
• Komatsu: Durable and well-suited for heavy-duty tasks
• Kobelco: Comfortable operation and good mid-size options
• Caterpillar (Cat): Popular, but some models are OEM-built and may have parts compatibility issues
• Case: Older models may have electrical quirks, newer ones are much improved

Be cautious with models like the Cat 205, which may be built by third-party manufacturers and fitted with Perkins engines. While the engine itself is reliable, the rest of the machine may not match the support and compatibility of mainstream Cat models.

Key Inspection Points When Buying Used

If you're considering a used excavator, pay close attention to:

• Undercarriage: Check track chains, sprockets, and rollers for wear
• Hydraulics: Look for smooth operation, leaks, and unusual noises
• Engine: Ensure clean starts and normal exhaust
• Electrical system: Older machines may have brittle wiring—simpler is better
• Attachments: A cleanup bucket, hydraulic thumb, and quick coupler add major versatility

Low operating hours don’t always mean good condition. Maintenance history and how the machine was used are more telling.

Real-World Stories from First-Time Owners

Case 1: A farmer in the Pacific Northwest bought a Kobelco SK135SRLC for his 200-acre property. Its near-zero tail swing made it ideal for working in tight forested areas. He praised the cleanup bucket for grading and the hydraulic thumb for handling logs and brush.

Case 2: In Canada, a user purchased a 1988 Kobelco 200. Despite its rough appearance, it had been well maintained and ran strong after 1,000+ hours of use. He recommended avoiding computer-controlled models and sticking with mechanical systems for simplicity and reliability.

Case 3: Another farmer rented several 8–12 ton machines before settling on a Komatsu PC210. He found that larger excavators struggled with narrow forest paths and recommended compact models with short tails for maneuverability.

Useful Terminology and Operating Tips

Common terms:

• Quick Coupler: Allows fast switching between buckets and tools
• Hydraulic Thumb: A clamp-like attachment for gripping logs, rocks, and debris
• Cleanup Bucket: Wide, flat-bottom bucket for grading and clearing
• Zero Tail Swing: Design where the rear of the machine doesn’t extend beyond the tracks

Tips for operation:

• On slopes, build a level pad before digging if no dozer blade is available
• Avoid long-distance travel on tracks to reduce wear
• Use a tractor or skid steer to assist with fence removal or material hauling
• Check hydraulic fluid and filters regularly to maintain system health

Conclusion: Your First Excavator Is More Than a Machine

For a farmer, the first excavator is more than a tool—it’s a shift in capability. It means no longer waiting for contractors to dig ditches, clear land, or fix roads. It’s about independence, efficiency, and control. Choosing the right model, understanding its strengths, and matching it to your land and needs will ensure it becomes a trusted partner in your daily work.

As one seasoned farmer put it, “Once I had my own excavator, I stopped waiting for help. I started building what I needed, when I needed it. It’s the best hire I ever made.”